KUALA LUMPUR: Popular comedian, actor and TV host Harith Iskander is one of the world’s five funniest people, having qualified to the finals of the Funniest Person In The World last Sunday (Dec 4).
Harith, 50, received the highest score amongst the 20 semi-finalists of the international stand-up comedy contest organised by legendary American comedy club, the Laugh Factory.
He and comedians Alex Calleja (Philippines), Katerina Vrana (Greece), David Kilimnick (Israel) and Mino Van Nassau (India) will compete in the finals which will be held on Dec 9 (Friday) in Helsinki, Finland.
“It’s been an amazing journey thus far and I thank my fans and loved ones for supporting me all the way. I arrived in Helsinki for the semis last Friday (Dec 2) and had a chance to tour this beautiful European city,” Harith told the NST today.
“I’m getting warmed up for the finals, by keeping myself warm in the icy-cold weather, so as to be in tip-top condition on the big day. I believe I can make it, with the strong support from fans, friends and family.”
Harith made it to the top 20 in the first week of October with 2.62 million votes, earning him a place in the semi-finals.
The finalist with the most votes will be crowned the winner and receive US$100,000 (RM400,000) and a US stand-up comedy tour.
Harith is one of two Malaysians amongst 89 international stand-up comedians nominated for the contest, the other being Dr Jason Leong.
Organiser Laugh Factory invited Harith to submit a video of himself doing stand-up comedy in order to be part of the competition.
Each country is allowed to send two comedians, but only one will proceed to the semi-finals and finals.
The five finalists’ performances can be viewed via YouTube and fans can view Harith at http://indi.com/7t8vv and www.voteforharith.com.